Differential-gear.



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L. H. SCURLOCK.

DIFFERENTIAL GEAR.

APPLICATION tn.50 Nov. 3o. 1915.

Patented Sept. 5, 1916.

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DLFFERENUAL GEAR.

APPLICATION F|LED NOVA 30| 1915, 1,196,988. lzltvntvdSept. 5,1916.

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L. HA SCURLOCK.

DIFFERENTIAL GEAR.

A l N 1 ,1 96,988. PatentedSept. 5, 1916.

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L. H. SCURLOCK.

DIFFERENTIAL GEAR.

APPLICATION FILED Nov. 30. IuIa.

1,1 96,988. lIItI-ntvd Svpt. 5, 1916.

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l.. H. SCHH-LOCK.

DIFFERENHAL GEAR.

APPLICATlON FILED NOV- 30,1915.

1 ,1 96,988. latolltedSept. 5, 1916.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

gnwntoz UNTTED STATES PATENT OFFIE. i

LEWIS H. SCURLOCK, OF DETROITy MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO WILLIAM H. HOLDEN, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

DIFFERENTIAL GEAR.

Application filed November 30. 1915.

yBe it known that I. Lizwis 1l. Sci'nLoCK, a citizen of the Vnited `States. residing at Detroit. in the county of 'ayne and State of lllichigan. have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Differential Gear. of which the following is a specification.

\l v invention relates broadly to gearing and has particular reference to improvements in differential gears for automobiles or other vehicles.

.\n important object of the invention is to improve, in general; the construction of differeutial gears. with a view of simplifying the same and reducing the number of working parts to the minimum.

further object of the invention is to provide a differential gear of the above mentioned character` embodying floating gear or gears, whereby the shafts or spindles for the gears in the ordinary differential'gear are dispensed with.

further object of the invention is to provide a differential gear of the above mentioned character. having floating planetary gear or gears. operatingr without shafts or Ispindles. whereby these gears and portions of the planetary gear carrier aie not drilled `for receiving the shat'tsl or spindles. and the strength ofthe differential gear as a whole substantially increased and thevcost of manufacture reduced.

further object of the invention is to provide means of the above mentioned Character. the elements of which are arranged in a highly compact manner. and may be assembled conveniently and expeditiously.

further object of' the invention is to provide apparatus of the above mentioned character. parts of which are so arranged that. they may be thoroughly lubricated and retained properly lubricated for a prolonged period.without further attention.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

1n the accompanying drawings forming a part of this` specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same. Figure 1 is a central longitudinal horizontal sectional view through a differential gear embodying my invention. Fig. l is an elevation of the inner face or side of the body portion of the planetary gear carrier or easing. Fig. 3 is a Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept 5, 1916.

Serial No. 64.305.

similar view of a cap. or end. included iii the planetary gear carrier or casing. Fig. l is a transverse sectional view taken on line 4&4 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 isa similar viewtaken on line 5 5 of Fig. 1. Fig. (i is a horizontal sectional view taken on line (lati of Fig. l, Fig. T is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on line '[T of Fig. 1. Fig. H is a side elevation of an axle section driving worin gear. Fig. f) isa similar view of a planetary worm gear. Fig. 10 is a similar view of a different planetary worm gear. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a spacing element or block. and. Fig. 19 is an elevationv o'f-the outer end of the cap or head of the differential gear carrier or casing.

1n the drawings. wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention. the numeral 15 designates a planetary gear carrier or casing. as a whole. constituting the body portion of the differential gear. This planetary gear carrier or casing comprises an approximately cup-shaped portion or casing 1G. having an annular fiange 17. at its open end. for fitting snugly within an annular groove 1S. formed in a cap or end 19. included in the differential gear carrier. This cap or end is "rigidly secured to the body portion or casing 1G by bolts 20. as shown. while other suitable means may be employed. s more clearly shown in Figs. 1 and Q. the cup-shaped body portion or casing 1G is provided at one end and upon its periphery with an annular flange Q1. having contact with an annular beveled gear 2Q. rigidly secured thereto by means of bolts Q3 or the like. The gear QQ receives its rotation from a beveled gear )Lconneeted with the shaft 25. driven from the crank shaft ofthe engine. preferably through the medium of a friction clutch mechanism. as is customary.

The cup-shaped body portion 1G or casing and the cap or end 19 are provided centrally thereof with cylindrical horizontal openings 26. having outer reduced portions, for providing shoulders QT. as shown. i

The numeral 28 designates axle driving worm gears. having tubular hubs Q9. These tubular hubs have redueed inner and outer portions. forming shoulders 30 and 31. The worm gears 2S are arranged for rotation within the openings 26. and their shoulders 31 are adapted to Contact with the shoulders 27, thus preventing outward longitudinal movement of these gears with relation to the planetary gear carrier. The tubular hubs 23 receive the inner'ends of' rear axle sections 3Q. which are keyed thereto. or otherwise rigidly attached thereto. for rotation therewith. It is obvious` that the worm gears Q8 are adapted for independent rotation with relation to each other.

Arranged between the worm gears 2S is a preferably square spacing element or block 33, having a cylindrical horizontal opening 34, pivotally receiving the reduced inner ends of the tubular hubs 29. and contacting with the inner shoulders 30 thereof. The spacing element or block 33 cannot rotate with relation to the planetary gear carrier, as it contacts with spaced fillers or castings 35, arranged within the casing 16 and formed integral therewith, as more clearly shown in Figs. Q and 4.

The numeral 36 designates spaced fillers or castings, formed within the cap or end 19 and adapted. when the cap is placed in position upon the casing 1G. to be in alinement with the fillers 35. and to contact with the spacing element or block 33.

The casing 16 and cap 19 are provided between their fillers with radially disposed recesses or chambers 37. within the central portions of which are disposed inner adially disposed floating worm gears 28, as more clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 6. These worm gears have no shafts or studs to turn upon. but are held in place by slidably contacting with the walls of the recesses or chambers 37 and the block 33. and further by engagement with outer floating planetary worm gears, to be described. Arranged upon opposite sides of the floating worm gears 3S are outer floating planetary worm gears 39, engaging f therewith. and slidably mounted in the^ opposite ends of the recesses or chambers 37. These floating worm gears 39 have no axles or shafts to turn upon. but

are held in place by slidable contact with the walls of the recesses or chambers 37 and by engagementwith other gears vor worm gears. The recesses or chambers 37 have openings 40. receiving the teeth of the worm gears 28, which mesh with the outer planetary Worm gears 39. as shown.

From the foregoing description it is apparent that\I have provided a differential gear. comprising planetary gears which are held in place within or upon the planetary gear carrier without the employment of shafts, studs or the like. The recesses or chambers which receive the floating worm gears. being substantially rectangular in cross-section, afford spaces at their corners for-receiving and holding a suitable lubricant.

In assembling the different elements of the differential gear, the casing 1G is preferably horizontally arranged and the hub 29 of the worm gear 28 inserted within the opening 26. The planetary worin gears 35) are then inserted within the ends of the chambers 37 formed in the casing 11". The spacing ele- Vlnent or block 33 is placed upon the upper Vthe planetary gear carrier or casing 15 to rotate. This rotation of the planetary gear carrier. when both wheels of the automobile, are equally free to rotate. is transmitted to the axle sections 3'2. whereby they turn with the planetary y gear carrier. without the planetary gears revolving upon their axes. 'hen the automobile is turning a curve. the outer rear wheel illust travel faster than the innei` rear wheel. and this difference in speed is automatically taken care ofl by the action of the planetary gears rotating upon their axes, during the rotation of the plan etary gear carrier. as is well known in the operation of differential gears of this general'type. By the employment of planetary worm gears instead of' bevel gears. it has been found that one rear wheel cannot spin, but both wheels are driven together during the straight travel of the automobile.

It is to be understood that the form of my inventionherewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size. and arrangement of partsmay be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention which is limited bv the scope of the subjoined claims.-

Having thus described the invention, I claim:-

1. In a differential gear. a planetary gear Carrier `having chambers formed therein` floating gears mounted to rotate within each chamber without the use of shafts and arranged at an angle with relation to each other. axle section driving gears engaging certain of the floating gears, and means to rotate the planetary gear carrier.

In a differential gear. a planetary gear carrier comprising a casing having chambers formed therein, floating planetary gears mounted to rotate within the chambers without the use of shafts and arranged at angles with relation to each other, axle seetion driving gears arranged within the easing and engaging certain of the planetary gears. and means to rotate the casing.

3, In a differential gear, a planetary gear earrier eomprisiiig a easingl hazing 'hamhers formed therein. floating planetary' worm gears mounted to rotate within the ehamhers without the use o' shafts and arranged at angles with relation to eaeh other. axle Seetion driving worm gears arranged within the easing inwardly of eertain ofthe planetary worm gears and engaging therewith. and means to rotate the easing.

4. In a ditl'erential gear. a planetary gear earrier eomprising a easing having ehamhers formed reetangular in eross-seetion. substantially eylindrieal floating planetary worm gears mounted to rotate within said ehamhers without the use of shafts. axle driving worm gears engaging with eertain of the planetary worm gears` and mans to drive the easing.

5. In a differential gear. a planetary gear earrier eomprising a easing provided at its ends with openings and having interior eliamhers. axle driving gears having huhs extending into the openings at the ends of the easing. floating planetary gears mounted to rotate in the ehamhers without the use of shafts and eertain of' the planetary gears en gaging the first named gears` and means to rotate the easing.

(i. In a differential gear, a planetary gear carrier eomprising a easing provided at its ends with openings and having interior ehamhers. axle driving gears having hubs extending into the openings at the endsof they easing. a sparing element a 'ranged within the easing and having an opening reeeiving the inner ends ot' the hulis of' the axle driving gears. inner planetary gears arranged within the ehamliers for rotation without the use of shafts and slidahly eontaeting with the sparing element. outer planetary gears mounted to rotate within the ehamhers upon opposite sides of the first named planetary gears without the use of shafts. and means to rotate thti easing.

7. In a differential gear. a planetary gear earrier eomprising a easing provided at its ends with openings and having interior ehainhers. axle driving gears having hu'ns extending into the openings at the ends ot the easing. a sparing element arranged within the easing and having an opening reeeiving the inner ends of the liuhs of the axle driving gears. inner planetary gears arranged within the ehamla-rs tor rotation without the use of shafts and slidahly eontaefing with the spaeing eteinent. and outer planetary gears mounted to rotate within the ehamhers upon opposite sides of the firstnamed planetary gears without the use of shafts.

S. In a differential gear. a nianetary gear carrier comprising a ea g provided at its ends with openings and having interior ehamhers wliieh are substantially rectangular in @oss-Section. asie driving worm gears .n.uite-l. "itiiui the .using and haw ing hut-s, with their outer ends extending into the openings at the ends ot the easing, a sparing element having au opening to reeeive the inner ends of the huhs and disposed within the easing. inner radial floating planetanv worm gears mounted within the rhamhers and having their inner ends slidaliiy eontaeting with tht,l spaeing ele ment. outer planetary worm gears mounted to rotate within the ends of the ehamhers without the use of shafts aud disposed at suhstantially a right :ingle to the first named planetary worm gears and engaging therewith and with the axle driving worin gears. and means to rotate the easing.

9. In a differential gear. a planetary gear earrier eomprising a easing provided at its ends with openings and having interior ehamhers. axle driving gears arranged within the easing and having huhs provided with inner and outer redueed portions forniing inner and outer shouldersv with the outer portions of the huhs projet-ting into the openings at the ends of the easing. a sparing hloek arranged in the easing and having au opening to reeeive the inner redueed portions of the huhs. inner radially disposed planetary floating gears disposed within the eliainhers for rotation without the use ot' shafts and having their inner ends slidahly eoutaeting with the sparing hloelt. outer planetary floating gears disposed at au angle with relation to the first, named planetary gears for engagement therew ith and mounted to rotate in the ends of the ehamhers without the use of shafts. and means to drive the easing.

lt). In a differential gear. a asing having reeesses. a eap elosing one end of the easing and having reeesses' adapted to register' with the first named reeesses and forming ehamhers` therewith. floating planetary gears mounted to rotate within the ehamhers without the use of' shafts. axle driving worm gears mounted to rotate within the easing and engaging with eertain of the planetary gears. and means to rotate the easing.

l1. In a differential gear. a easing having reeesses. a flange formed upon the open end of' the easing. a eap having a groove to reeeive the flange and provided with reeesses to register with the first named reeesses for forming ehamhers. holts for seem-ing the eap to the easing. floating planetary worm gears mounted to rotate within the ehamhers without the use of shafts. axle driving worin gears rotatahly mounted within the casing and engaging eertain ot` the floating gears. and a gear eonneeted with the easing to drive it.

1Q. In a differential gear. a easing provided `vith an interior reeess and having a tongue at one end and a radially extending flange at the other end, an annular gear surrounding the casing and bolted to the flange, a cap having a groove to receive the tongue of the easing and provided with an interior recess for registration with the first named Irecess to forni therewith a chamber, planetary gears mounted to rotate within the chamber. and axle driving gears rotatably mounted within the casing and engaging with certain of the planetary gears.

13. In a differential gear, a casing provided at its ends with openings and having interior chambers, axle driving gears mounted within the casing and having tubular hubs to receive the axle sections `with 15 the outer ends of the hubs extending into the openings at the ends of thtl easing, floating planetary gears mounted for rotation Within the chambers without the use of shafts and certain of the planetary gears 2O engaging the axle driving gears` and a gear connected with the casing to drive it.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in the presenre of ltivo witnesses.

LICXVIS Il. SCIIRLOCK. lVitnesses:

Lois G. 'aooxnn, C. C. MCKINNEY. 

